Slovenia ready to engage army to help in migrant crisis

Slovenia's National Defence Council, chaired by Prime Minister Miro Cerar, on Wednesday unanimously adopted measures in case the migrant crisis is prolonged, including the engagement of the army which would act along the border with police powers, Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec said.

The government is expected to uphold the measures today.

The measures see to the protection of national interests so that Slovenia does not become a hot spot where migrants would stay for longer periods, Erjavec said.

The National Defence Council also proposed activating amendments to the defence law under which the army could be engaged on the border to protect state territory from illegal migrants, using powers that in ordinary circumstances only the police have.

In order tor the amendments to be activated, two-thirds of MPs must vote in favour. According to unofficial reports, an extraordinary parliamentary session for the vote will be held on Monday.

Beirut (dpa) - Syrian government forces and their allies advanced deeper into the shrinking rebel-held enclave in eastern Aleppo on Wednesday, seizing the Old City, while demanding the armed opposition groups leave the area.